The body of an elderly male was discovered this morning at the Middle Fork of the American River near Auburn. According to Sgt. Ed. Clark of the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, the cause of death is believed to be suicide.

The victim, said Sgt. Clark, suffered from a “single gunshot wound to the head.” A revolver was next to the body, which was on the river bank.

A group of three fishermen located the body and reported it to authorities. El Dorado Sheriff’s units were first on the scene but realized the incident was not in their county and notified Placer County at 7 a.m.

Sgt. Clark said he assisted in carrying the body up the hill, about 100 yards from the roadway.

The identity of the victim will be released pending notification of next of kin, Sgt. Clark said.